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By ArizonaDUI.com, March 2, 2010 9:08 am

Flickr User: johnrawlinson

Sober Steering Sensors is a Canadian company out of Ontario, Canada’s most densely populated province. The company is developing technology that makes use of chemical sensors built into steering wheels to detect the gas byproducts of alcohol through the skin of drivers. This transdermal technology, developed in conjunction with California-based Seacoast Science, has been garnering a lot of interest.

Other forms of car-controlled breathalyzers do currently exist, but these interlock systems require drivers to blow into a Breathalyzer before starting their car (an obvious change in driver behavior). If the breath test system registers alcohol above the legal limit, the vehicle will not start.

These systems currently being sold in the U.S. and around the world are visible interlock system devices. One that might exist in the family car creates an undeniable social stigma that not only the driver, but also the driver’s children and family, must deal with on a daily basis. One major problem with these visible interlock systems is that people won’t install them in their cars because of the social stigma associated with them.

Interlock devices have also been criticized because they require drivers to blow into the device before the car will start as well as after driving for a period of time, so drivers must be able to safely pull over and repeat the test when the machine tells them to. This isn’t practical or safe.

The Canadian groups’ device, Sober Steering Sensors, tests drivers through the steering wheel. Hence, so long as a person is driving (with their hands and not their knees), the system should be continually activated. The only requirement for the system to be able to test a person’s BAC is that a driver has his hands on the wheel (a normal driving behavior).

Sober Steering recently received $1.5 Million from the Ontario government’s Innovation Demonstration Fund to produce prototypes and test later them later this year in about 200 fleet vehicles, such as transport trucks and buses.

Ignition interlock systems are expensive, costing up to approximately $2,000 per vehicle, as opposed to an estimated $200 for the Sober Steering solution. Stay tuned for more updates about this new-age sober driving technology.

This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstance.

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By thoug, December 17, 2009 9:15 am

If you receive a DUI in Arizona, an ignition interlock device is mandatory. And if you understand ignition interlock devices, you can avoid some of the stress associated with having to use them. By reading the below information, you can help assure that you are in compliance, thus avoiding more penalties.

Important Terms and Requirements for Arizona Users of Ignition Interlock Devices

CIID:

A certified ignition interlock device. The device company, installation and service must be authorized by Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD). Using unauthorized products or services, or tampering with devices, can bring further penalties. To obtain certified products and services, see the MVD section of the Arizona Department of Transportation website. Each provider has a toll-free number. They will advise you of costs and installation details.

MVD monitoring:

You must understand all applicable MVD forms and established policies. Ask the MVD or authorized provider if you have questions.

Inspections:

The installer must inspect the device every 30 days for 3 months, and then every other month, until use is completed. You must confirm with the inspector that the device is functioning correctly. If you haven’t followed requirements, the inspector will most likely discover this.

Proof of compliance:

You must provide proof of compliance every 90 days. If you do not, you may lose driving privileges indefinitely, or until you give proof. Although the interlock company usually takes care of this task on your behalf, you may have no recourse if they do not. So, be sure to contact them and verify they have taken care of this every time just before your proof of compliance is due. If not, you can do this on your own.

The Human Aspects Can Be Just as Important as the Terms and Procedures

Try not to let the predicament of using the interlock device lead to further repercussions. Time will pass, and the best way to handle the situation is to willingly follow the rules. The devices can actually be used somewhat discretely if you put in some effort.

Our next blog about ignition interlock devices will provide more specific details about MVD forms, how to prove compliance and how to manage inspections.